Artists Magazine

Readers learn painting and drawing firsthand from other artists through written instruction and reproduction, guiding them step-by-step through the creative process. The magazine shows readers a wide variety of creative options, teaching the fundamentals of art making, presenting techniques in different painting and drawing media.

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Artists Magazine US

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A Master of Feathers and Fur • Flemish artist FRANS SNYDERS contributed his special painting talents to the Dutch Golden Age.

Barging Through Burgundy • Six days along the Canal du Nivernais combines leisurely travel with slowly changing, picturesque scenery.

SKETCHING METHOD 1: WATERCOLOR

SKETCHING METHOD 2: GRAPHITE AND WATERCOLOR

SKETCHING METHOD 3: GRAPHITE

PLAN YOUR TRIP

WE ASKED... • What’s your favorite art quotation?

WE ASKED... YOU ANSWERED

Build

JUXTAPOSING OPPOSITES • HELEN OH demonstrates how purposefully choosing contrasting elements can make for an engaging painting.

THE FUN OF CONTRADICTORY CONTENT

In Pursuit of a Painting • DAN GHENO highlights the importance and benefits of preparatory drawings to a successful painting, as seen through the works of a true master.

MURAL PAINTING

The Seven Principles of Design • For still lifes that grab and hold a viewer’s gaze, follow these precepts.

TIP

HIGH CHROMA

Flat-Out Relief • ANDREW S. CONKLIN raises an illusion of depth and form.

Petal to Stem • Here’s a cheat sheet for painting spring blossoms.

READER HACK

Compositions

MINGLING VIRTUOSITY WITH JOY • Richard Schmid, the master artist who wrote definitive books on direct painting, captures not only the world he sees but also the world of his imagination.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SHAPES

WORKINGS OF IMAGINATION

Schmid, the Mentor

SCHMID’S MATERIALS

Schmid, the Teacher

ABOUT THE ARTIST

OF QUIET CONTEMPLATION • In response to consumerism, Anselmo Swan imbues drawings and paintings of common objects with uncommon beauty.

SCRUMPTIOUS COLOR AND TEXTURE

MEET ANSELMO SWAN

Finding Spontaneity in Still Life • A setup is just a suggestion for Carolyn Marshall Wright as she embraces an unpredictable approach to bring her vibrant florals to life.

The Benefits of Switching Between Media

Blooming Wild

LARGER THAN (STILL) LIFE • Most artists are familiar with the concept of happy accidents—those times when colors blend in unexpected ways or an errant stroke ends up pulling a painting together. While they’re wonderful and unexpected, rarely do these accidents send an entire career in a different direction, but that’s just what happened to Paul Balmer.

DEMONSTRATION: STILL LIFE ON BLACK

Artist, Advocate, Instructor, Survivor • During an era marked by racial bias and war-time fears, Japanese-American Chiura Obata created a legacy of beauty, service and understanding.

Outfit

Seeing is Revealing • Keeping accounts of all aspects of your art-making lends control and clarity to your goals.

DO NOW

Independent Study • Resources to inspire + build skills

TRY SOMETHING NEW • Spark fresh ideas and approaches today!

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Lasting impression